Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: 7 Easy Dinner Wins

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Introduction & Description

I don’t know about you, but cheesy pasta has this way of turning an average day into something a little more special. It’s that cozy, soul-hugging kind of food—the kind you can throw together without fancy ingredients or culinary degrees. Just a big skillet, a bit of garlic, ground beef, and a good handful (okay, two) of cheese.

This one-pan pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser. You’ve got the crispy caramelized beef, the richness of heavy cream, the zing of garlic, and that molten mozzarella pull that makes people say, “Wow, what is this?” (It’s just Tuesday, but we don’t tell them that.)

And best of all? It’s easy. No layering, no baking, no babysitting. Just cook, stir, melt, and serve. This is the weeknight magic you’re looking for.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

Let’s break it down. Every ingredient here has a job—flavor, texture, balance.

Penne Pasta

You want ridges. Penne’s got ’em. It traps sauce in every crevice—ideal for a comfort food pasta recipe that’s all about richness. Al dente is your goal—don’t overcook it into mush.

Ground Beef

The flavor foundation. It brings richness, protein, and that savory depth that makes this a full meal. Use 80/20 if you want flavor, not dry sadness.

Garlic & Olive Oil (or Garlic Butter)

This is your flavor base. Garlic gets things moving, olive oil carries it. Or go big with garlic butter—don’t be shy. Just don’t burn it—burnt garlic is the party crasher of any dish.

Salt & Black Pepper

Basic seasoning—but don’t underestimate it. Season in layers. Beef needs salt. Pasta water needs salt. The sauce? Needs it too.

Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes

Herbs for dimension, pepper flakes for a bit of background fire. It won’t burn your tongue, but it will wake up your taste buds.

Heavy Cream & Beef Broth

These two bring the sauce body. The cream makes it velvety. The broth punches up that meaty goodness. Don’t skip either if you want that rich and creamy pasta finish.

Parmesan & Mozzarella

Parmesan = umami and depth. Mozzarella = melt and pull. Mix them for maximum effect. And yes, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded has anti-clumping stuff. You want melt, not chalk.

Fresh Parsley

It’s not just for garnish. It cuts through the fat with freshness and makes your dish look like you care (which you do, right?).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the best cheesy penne recipe with garlic butter—all in one skillet, no drama.

Step 1: Boil the Penne

Get a big pot of water, salt it like the sea. Bring it to a boil. Drop in your penne and cook until al dente. That means firm to the bite—not soft like cafeteria noodles. Drain and set aside. Save half a cup of pasta water—you might need it later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet (12-inch minimum, don’t cram), add a couple tablespoons of olive oil or a slab of garlic butter. Medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic. Stir until it’s fragrant and just turning golden. Smells good? You’re ready.

Chef Tip: Don’t walk away. Garlic burns fast. If it goes brown, start over. Seriously.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef straight into that garlicky oil. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Get it browned—not grey. That means don’t overcrowd the pan and don’t mess with it too much. Let it sear a bit. Once it’s cooked through, drain off the excess fat (unless you like it super rich).

Most people mess this up by over-stirring. Let it sit. Let it sizzle.

Sautéed garlic butter ground beef sizzling in a skillet for cheesy penne.

Step 4: Season It Right

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir it all in and taste. Always taste.

This is key—season as you go. Underseasoned pasta is just sad.

Step 5: Add the Sauce Base

Pour in your beef broth and heavy cream. Stir it all up, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift that flavor. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly. You want it to coat a spoon, not drown it.

Let it reduce. Patience here gives you a richer, creamier sauce.

Creamy beef sauce with swirling heavy cream in skillet for penne pasta.

Step 6: Toss in the Pasta

Add your cooked penne into the skillet. Stir until every piece is coated in that creamy goodness. If it’s too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. Just a splash—don’t turn it into soup.

Don’t overmix—stir just enough to coat.

Step 7: Add the Parmesan

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Stir it until it disappears into the sauce. It’ll thicken things up and deepen the flavor.

Step 8: Top with Mozzarella

Spread shredded mozzarella over the top. Turn the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it melt until it’s gooey and gorgeous. That’s your “oh wow” moment.

This is the showstopper. Don’t rush it. Let it melt.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Chop up some parsley and sprinkle it over. Serve right from the skillet—or plate it up like you’re in a trattoria. Either way, it’s going fast.

CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF — A hearty bowl of creamy penne and savory ground beef—topped with parsley and red pepper for a fresh, spicy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Warm your plates—hot food on a cold plate is a rookie move.
Garlic bread is a natural match. Dip it in the sauce. No shame.
A fresh salad balances out the richness—Caesar, arugula, whatever’s crisp.
Feeling fancy? A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds that chef-y flair.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container—fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, splash in a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in bursts or reheat gently on the stove.
Want to freeze it? Go for it. Just cool it completely and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight and warm slowly.

Pro tip: Add extra mozzarella when reheating for a fresh melt.

If you loved this cheesy, garlicky skillet wonder, you’ll probably want to keep the pasta party going. Here are a few more favorites from my kitchen:

Craving another creamy cheese-loaded pasta dish like this ditalini recipe? Check it out here.
Want more hearty meat-and-pasta meals? This collection brings steak to the pasta game in a big way. Explore the recipes.
For those nights you need something healing and cozy, try these comforting Italian-style pasta recipes. Pastina awaits.
And don’t miss out on these classic comfort food pasta recipes—like pastina with egg, simple and soul-warming. It’s a staple.

Recipe Notes & Variations

Vegetarian? Sub the beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Still hearty. Still delicious.
Boost the nutrition with chopped spinach, roasted zucchini, or bell peppers.
Make ahead: Prep the pasta and sauce separately, combine and melt the cheese just before serving.
Cheese swaps: Try gouda, fontina, or a sharp cheddar. Each one adds its own personality.

FAQ: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Can I use other pasta?

Sure. Rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli work well. Just avoid thin pastas—they don’t hold the sauce.

Is it spicy?

Only mildly. You can dial up the red pepper flakes or skip them.

Can I lighten it up?

Try half-and-half instead of cream, but it won’t be as luscious.

What else can I make with penne and ground beef?

Honestly? Everything from casseroles to pasta bakes. But this dish is your best bet when you need quick and tasty.

How do I make sure the garlic butter ground beef doesn’t burn?

Keep the heat at medium. Watch the garlic closely and stir often. If it starts browning too fast, pull it off the heat for a second.

Conclusion + Call to Action

You’ve just made a savory pasta dish that checks every box: it’s quick, rich, satisfying, and makes everyone at the table go back for seconds. This easy dinner idea turns what you’ve already got in your pantry into a full-on comfort bomb.

Try it this week. Make it your own. Swap the cheese. Add heat. Sneak in veggies. Then share it—tag your version and let us see your skillet magic.

Want more cozy recipes like this? Follow me on Pinterest @emiliorecipes for fresh, crave-worthy dinner ideas that hit every flavor note.

Because this? This is the pasta I want to eat.

CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF

Introduction & Description

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